28 February, 2024

Gunnedah Shire Council is proud to support Weeks of Speed which begins on Saturday March 2.

The popular motorsport festival during the month of March is run by representatives of volunteer groups who utilise Council and commercial facilities to stage various activities including drag races, a hot rod display, motorkhana, whip cracking titles and a country music muster.

Mayor Jamie Chaffey encouraged the community to get behind this annual event and wished organisers the best of luck for a successful festival.

“Every year, the heartbeat of Gunnedah Shire picks up the pace for the Weeks of Speed,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This action-packed program combines an impressive line-up of events, from the Community Street Parade, Show ‘n’ Shine, Hot Rod Display, Parade Fly-over and Speedway Racing on the opening day of Saturday, March 2, to the Billy Boiling Championships, the Gunnedah Country Music Muster, the Drag-ens Safari, Motorkhana and the Rural Museum Demonstration Day, this is truly a month with something for everyone.

“We welcome the visitors who will attend this year’s Gunnedah Weeks of Speed and all the competitors. And we encourage our local community to take a look at just how much the Weeks of Speed has to offer.

“We live in a beautiful place and we are more than happy to show it off to all our visitors.

“I congratulate the committee on their work in bringing the program to life. Without the committee and the many, many volunteers of the organisations involved, this program of events would not happen.”

The Weeks of Speed program can be accessed at https://www.visitgunnedah.com.au/downloads/SITE-CONTENT/WHATS-ON/Event-Programs-Posters/WeeksOfSpeed.pdf 

27 February 2024

Council supports Namoi Unlimited move

Gunnedah Shire Council this week resolved to support the Board of Namoi Unlimited (Namoi Joint Organisation) in its move to dissolve the organisation.

The board advised the best option for the region was for each of the member Councils to commit to an informal alliance that would deliver the same opportunities to collaborate and advocate on regional issues.

The current members of the Namoi Joint Organisation are Tamworth, Gunnedah, Walcha, Liverpool Plains and Gwydir.

Koori Kids School Initiative support

Council will continue its contribution as an associate partner with the Koori Kids School Initiative for a further three financial years (2023/2024 to 2025/2026 inclusive).

Koori Kids engages young people in a range of school initiatives to promote education and awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Each year Koori Kids conducts the NAIDOC Week School Initiative Competitions for school-aged children. This is broken up into the primary and secondary school categories of: colouring-in, short story writing and creative and essay writing. Each year, Council will contribute $450 towards the program.

Working Groups nominations and changes

Libby Wicks and Caine Dorrington have been endorsed as the Indigenous Organisation representatives on the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group and Sonya Lodge will now be the Community Representative on the Access Working Group.

In October and December 2023, the Gunnedah & District Chamber of Commerce & Industry informed Council of changes to representatives on a number of Working Groups. The required membership changes are:

• Crime Prevention Working Group - Damien Roman and Cameron Moore (alternate)
• Access Working Group - Lisa Berges
• Economy and Growth Working Group - Jasmine Alloway, Ben Hennessy and Michael Broekman
• Sister Cities and Friendly Relationship Working Group - Renee Torrens and Anthony Bishop
• Business Partner Program Advisory Group - Josh Cameron and Craig Neale.

Fees waived for Gunnedah Multiple Sclerosis

Council has endorsed a request from the Gunnedah MS Incorporated Group to waive hire fees by 50 % for its annual Christmas Fair held at the Gunnedah Showground on November 25, 2023.

Gunnedah MS is a not-for-profit group servicing the needs of residents within the shire that are affected by the auto-immune disease.

The group wrote retrospectively to Council requesting an in-kind donation of $330 towards the event held last year.

February 26, 2024

Gunnedah Shire Council is calling on the NSW Government to recognise the critical need for further funding for regional, rural and remote areas in this year’s State Budget.

Council this week endorsed a Mayoral Minute put forward by Mayor Jamie Chaffey to call on the government to allocate funding in the budget (which is due to be handed down in June) to six priority areas.

“We desperately need more funding for health, including delivery of the shortfall in funding for the Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment Master Plan,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This is not a wish list item, it is an absolute must for our community.
“We are also seeking a commitment to increase spending on the NSW Police Force to increase front-line policing numbers in rural, regional and remote communities most at need, and to allow 24-hour, seven-day-a-week operations for Gunnedah’s police station.

“Further to this, we need the government to support regional growth and to ensure our share of essential funding is not forgotten. In the past, these programs have been available to us - the Stronger Country Communities Fund, Resources for Regions, Regional Events Acceleration Fund, Regional Tourism Activation Fund, Regional Sports Infrastructure, Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism, Regional Cultural Fund, Growing Local Economies and Regional Job Creation Fund.

“They have now been replaced by just two funds, the Regional Development Trust Fund and the Working Regions Fund.

“We also need funding to address housing shortages, skills shortages, and road and transport, where the government needs to deliver the Fixing Country Pinch Points Program.

“Regional areas are where the food, the fibre, minerals and energy for the entire state come from, yet we are being treated as second-class citizens.
“It’s time for true recognition of what is needed to equity between the regions and the metropolitan areas of our state.”

Councillors also endorsed a Mayoral Minute to write to the Premier, the NSW Treasurer and the NSW Minister for Local Government seeking that they urgently address costs identified through Local Government NSW’s (LGNSW) report: Cost shifting 2023: How State Costs Eat Council Rates.

Cr Chaffey said research commissioned by LGNSW showed the increase in cost shifting had been accelerated by NSW Government policies.

“The report shows $1.36 billion has been passed on to councils to fund in the 2021-22 financial year – that’s an increase of $540 million over the last report from the 2017-18 year,” he said.

“That represents an average extra $460.67 for every ratepayer across NSW. In Gunnedah Shire, which is classified as a large rural council, that figure is more like $490 per ratepayer.

“It’s just not fair or sustainable to expect local government to carry this ever-increasing shortfall while our own costs increase.

“It means our communities get less or go without. They go without better roads, they go without better parks, they go without important community services that only councils provide, and they and their ratepayers are effectively paying hidden taxes to other levels of government.”

You can read Local Government NSW’s (LGNSW) report: Cost shifting 2023: How State Costs Eat Council Rates here.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

February 26, 2024

Award-winning creator Jens Altheimer’s magical on-stage creation Whalebone will come to The Civic in Gunnedah this April.

Parents will need to book ahead for this very popular whimsical show that features a cool mix of contraptions, robotics, video animations and a touch of circus.

Designed to bring a smile to the faces of the whole family, Whalebone is especially geared towards 6-12 year-olds.

The live theatre performance takes the audience into the magical world of the “Depository”, a mysterious agency that safeguards human memories.

As a rogue AI threatens to erase our treasured stories, a solitary worker races against time. Can his quirky contraptions and eccentric machines shield our stories?

“We are all talking about the wonders and dangers of AI,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy & Growth Susan Frater said.

“And most children are already aware of how technology and the real world can collide – with sometimes weird and wonderful results.

“Whalebone celebrates the magic of stories and is about the comic clashes between man and machine, and what makes us human.”

Jens Altheimer has won an Adelaide Fringe Award for Best Production for Children with Squaring the Wheel and was nominated for the same award for Loose Ends.

Whalebone, which runs for 55 minutes and includes fast-paced video effects and twitchy sounds, will be on stage at The Civic at the special school holiday time of 6.30pm (as requested by parents!) on Wednesday, April 24. Tickets are $15.

To book your seats, visit https://ticketing.oz.veezi.com/purchase/5077?siteToken=jnnwp7qschbnhzvfrcche1asp4

Caption: The on-stage magic of Whalebone has something for the whole family.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

22 February, 2024

Gunnedah artists, community groups and schools are being called on to create artworks depicting a person, event, site or community group they believe best represents their local Shire.

Gunnedah Captured is an extension of the popular Gunnybalds exhibition that was held in 2022, and invites artists to submit works (in any medium) that celebrate the people and happenings in Gunnedah.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater encouraged creative locals to get behind the concept.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for artists to showcase what they believe makes Gunnedah great. There are many different reasons why this region is important to people and we can’t wait to see all of the submissions,” she said.

Submissions are due on Monday 29 April and entry forms are available via https://www.thecivic.com.au/art--exhibitions or can be collected from The Civic at 83 Chandos St, Gunnedah.

Artworks will be displayed in the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery from Friday, May 3 to Friday June 7, 2024.

There will be interactive opportunities to create and engage with Gunnedah Captured with the official opening set to take place at 6pm on Friday May 3.

February 20, 2024

Fluoride will be introduced to Gunnedah Shire’s town water supply from Monday, March 11, 2024 following a comprehensive testing and training process.

Records show 96% of the population of New South Wales has access to fluoridated water, with New South Wales Health supporting fluoridation of drinking water as a safe and effective way to help prevent tooth decay in the community.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Water Services Michael Ludlow said Gunnedah’s new $8 million water treatment facility allowed the centralised treatment of town water for the first time.

“This modern centre has been designed and constructed to ensure consistent treatment of town water, and to allow for the introduction of fluoridation,” Mr Ludlow said.

“The new centre has undergone rigorous testing and a qualified contractor will supervise and monitor the initial implementation as Council staff complete their final ‘live’ training.

“Gunnedah Shire has the benefit of using the decades of experience of other water suppliers and is implementing a system that is already in place across most of the state and the country. Testing will be done daily in accordance with NSW Health regulations.”

Fluoride has no taste or smell, and will not have any noticeable impact on drinking water.

Fluoridation is supported by many dental and health organisations, including the National Health and Medical Research Council, the World Health Organization, the Australian Dental Association, the Australian Medical Association, the Public Health Association of Australia, and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

To find out more about fluoridation of drinking water, visit NSW Health at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/fluoridation.aspx
Residents with access to town water do not have to take any preparations ahead of this date.

Caption: Gunnedah’s new water treatment centre has been built to allow centralised treatment of the town water supply and to introduce fluoride as recommended by NSW Health.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

Questions and answers

Source: NSW Health (www.health.nsw.gov.au)

Why add fluoride to drinking water?

Water utilities add fluoride to drinking water to reduce tooth decay in children and adults. Good dental health is extremely important for people's overall health and wellbeing. Adding fluoride to drinking water keeps teeth healthy and reduces costs for everyone in our community. This is especially important for people who might not have regular access to dental services.

Most people get fluoride every day when they brush their teeth or drink tap water. Fluoride is a natural mineral found in soil, rocks, and water, but the water in the rivers and dams that provide our drinking water usually does not have enough fluoride to prevent tooth decay.

How does drinking fluoridated water help prevent tooth decay?

Fluoride helps to repair teeth with early signs of tooth decay before cavities form. It also helps children’s teeth be more resistant to tooth decay as they are forming – protecting them right from the start.

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria produce acid after eating sugary foods. The acid strips away minerals from the tooth's surface, weakening teeth and increasing the chance of getting tooth decay. Fluoride helps strengthen the tooth's enamel surface to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride can also help repair tooth enamel before serious decay occurs. Water fluoridation provides baby and adult teeth with frequent and consistent contact with low levels of fluoride.

Studies from NSW and Australia show that fluoridation reduces tooth decay across the whole community. Children living in towns with water fluoridation have significantly less tooth decay than those without. There are also more children with no tooth decay at all in communities with fluoride in their drinking water.

Is drinking fluoridated water safe?

Fluoridated drinking water is safe for children and adults of all ages. In 2017, Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) reviewed all the scientific research into fluoridated drinking water. It found that drinking fluoridated water does not cause any health problems and has the benefit of preventing tooth decay.

Some people claim that it is not safe to drink fluoridated water. They say it can cause cancer or reduce children's intelligence. Reliable scientific evidence does not support these claims.

What if I get too much fluoride?

Having too much fluoride can cause white lines to appear on people's teeth, known as dental fluorosis. Noticeable fluorosis is very uncommon in Australia.

Water utilities and NSW Health check the levels of fluoride in our water regularly to make sure it has enough to prevent tooth decay and avoid fluorosis.

How long have people been drinking fluoridated water?

Fluoride has been added to drinking water for more than 75 years. The first fluoridated water supply was in the USA in 1945. Tasmania was the first Australian state to begin fluoridation in 1953, followed by parts of NSW in 1956. Today almost all public drinking water supplies in NSW are fluoridated.

Who supports water fluoridation?

Water fluoridation is supported by many reputable health and dental associations across Australia and the world. The following organisations support and encourage water fluoridation as a public health measure to help prevent tooth decay:

• National Health and Medical Research Council
  • World Health Organization
  • Australian Dental Association
  • Australian Medical Association
  • Public Health Association of Australia
  • Royal Australasian College of Physicians

What else can I do to protect my teeth?

• Brush your teeth, gums and tongue with fluoride toothpaste every morning and night
  • Have regular meals and less snacks during the day
  • Choose water as your main drink
  • Have dental check-ups and see a dental practitioner if you have any sore teeth or bleeding gums

More information

• NSW Health – Fluoridation - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/fluoridation.aspx
• National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) - https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/fluoridation

February 19, 2024

The floods of 2021-2022 left behind scars in Gunnedah Shire and beyond – and lasting memories that are now the basis for an exhibition that will open on Friday, March 15 in Gunnedah.

The Arts North West exhibition To My Returning is a creative response by local artists from flood-affected communities.

It includes heart-felt letters written to the river by people across the region who were impacted by the repeated floods - those who were displaced, isolated or watched the water rise with disbelief.

“As the peak arts organisation for the New England North West, Arts North West knew that a creative response to life-changing events can be cathartic and assist with the process of recovery,” Arts North West Executive Director Lauren Mackley said.

“We knew that a creative project was needed to help our communities to explore their regional identities and how they are sculpted by our natural environment, increase resilience and provide space and opportunities for community to gather, reflect and connect post flood events.”

Arts North West also engaged artists from flood-affected communities to create artwork from their own experience and in response to the communities’ letters.

To My Returning features letters from numerous Gunnedah Shire residents, and work from artists across the region, including Gunnedah’s Maree Kelly, Jade Punch and Helen Stanley, photographs by Christiane Birkett, Alyssa Barwick and Marie Low, who also has a creative writing piece.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater said To My Returning was an important exhibition that explored a critical time in Gunnedah Shire’s history.

“Not only is To My Returning a significant exhibition in its own right, it shows the heart of our community, and our ability to recover,” Ms Frater said.

“Anyone who wants to understand what the floods meant to Gunnedah Shire needs to visit this exhibition.”

An open gallery night will be held on Thursday, March 28 during the exhibition to allow people to bring a picnic and either engage in a provided themed activity or bring their own project along to work on in the gallery.

To My Returning is a touring exhibition that will open at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre on Friday, March 15 and continue until Friday, April 26. It has been on display at the Bank Art Museum in Moree, and will go to the Wee Waa Arts and Cultural Centre after Gunnedah.

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Caption: Items from the To My Returning exhibition are arranged ahead of the Moree opening earlier this month.

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@infogunnedah.com.au.

Employment and business play a huge role in any economy, and in Gunnedah Shire, the outlook is good.

The latest opportunity to access a helping hand for new business initiatives has opened with Round Three of the Business Partner Program.

The Business Partner Program has helped hundreds of people and organisations over the years achieve their goal of new businesses or new initiatives for their businesses.

“Gunnedah Shire Council knows that a thriving community and a great economy needs a great diversity of innovative businesses,” Business Partner Advisory Group Chairperson Cr Colleen Fuller said.

“The Business Partner Program has proven to be a very successful way of supporting meaningful new projects or businesses, and increasing employment opportunities.

“The program offers financial support for business ideas that show a solid potential with flow-on benefits for the community. It has helped achieve many exciting projects in the past, and we know this round will prove to be no exception.”

The Business Partner Program provides up to 75% of the total project cost for successful applicants. Applications for Round 3 will close on February 28, 2024.

To find out more, visit https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/business/business-support/business-grants-funding

February 7, 2024

Gunnedah Shire is sending 28 young local people off on their education adventure with the support of a Gunnedah Community Scholarship.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said he was proud to present scholarships to one of the largest numbers of students in the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund’s 21-year history.

“This is one of Council’s highlights of the year, making tertiary education just a little bit more accessible to our young people,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This is a big time in their lives and, in partnership with the local community, the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance that eases the way and shows the recipients their home town supports their further learning.

“More than 20 years ago, former Gunnedah Shire Mayor Gae Swain OAM founded this fund to encourage young people to pursue further education – and to possibly return home with a whole new set of valuable skills.

“In that time, we have seen hundreds of people head off to study in a huge range of areas – from medicine to occupational therapy, and engineering to teaching. It has made a difference to many young people, and many families.”

Community and business sponsors – including Whitehaven Coal, Santos, Forsyths Accounting and Financial Services, Club Gunnedah, Rotary Club of Gunnedah West and Gunnedah Rotary Club - partnered with Gunnedah Shire Council to award 28 scholarships. Many of these sponsors invest in our community’s future by contributing financially each and every year.

The presentation took place this week (February 6) at the Civic Theatre, with guest speaker, teacher and past Scholarship Fund recipient Oliver Neader.
The recipients for the 2024 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund are:

• Hollie Bennett, Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Radiation Therapy), University of Newcastle
  • Paul Cabanas, Bachelor of Software Engineering, University of Newcastle
  • Maddison Coombs, Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology, University of New England
  • Lewis Donaldson, Bachelor of Communication, Charles Sturt University
  • Alice Donnelly, Diploma in Science including Bachelor of Psychological Science (Advanced), University of Newcastle
  • Emma Doyle, Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws (Honours), University of Newcastle
  • Harry Fairfull, Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours), University of Southern Queensland
  • Lucy Gainsford, Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, University of New England
  • Josie Gallagher, Bachelor of Education K-12, Charles Sturt University
  • Maya Gallagher, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours), University of Newcastle
  • Lara Hewitt, Bachelor of Nursing, University of Canberra
  • Molly Houguet, Bachelor of Education (Primary), University of Newcastle
  • Callie Jeffrey, Bachelor of Primary Education, University of Newcastle
  • Henry Johns, Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Newcastle
  • Goran Kelly, Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Southern Queensland
  • Mackenzie Leader, Bachelor of Education (Secondary), University of Newcastle
  • Annalise Martin, Bachelor of Laws, University of New England
  • Lillian McNamara, Bachelor of Primary Education, University of Wollongong
  • Lucy Moore, Bachelor of Accounting, Charles Sturt University
  • Chloe Newman, Bachelor of Educational Studies and Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary), Swinburne University of Technology
  • Aimee Randall, Bachelor of Nursing, University of Newcastle
  • Samantha Randall, Bachelor of Nursing, University of New England
  • Ashlyn Summers, Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Diagnostic), Charles Sturt University
  • Chloe Sumpter, Bachelor of Nursing, University of Wollongong
  • Imogen Taylor, Bachelor of Secondary Education, University of Notre Dame
  • Millie Taylor, Bachelor of Exercise Science/Master of Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology, University of New South Wales
  • Yasmin Thomas, Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours), University of Newcastle
  • Leisel Torrens, Bachelor of Agriculture, University of New England

Caption: Some of the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund recipients.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

February 6, 2024

Gunnedah Shire Council has had a recent increase in inquiries and interest about roaming cats.

Dogs and cats are treated differently under the Companion Animals Act 1998. Under NSW Government legislation, dogs in public places:

• Must wear a collar and tag
  • must be under effective control of a competent person by means of a leash, chain or cord
  • are not allowed in certain places
  • and importantly, must be micro-chipped and registered (with limited exception).

Cats, however, must have a form of identification such as a collar or tag with the owner’s address or phone number, a microchip, or other form of identification but only when not on the property that is owned or occupied by the cat owner, or when being exhibited.

Cats are not restricted in their movement or control. They are able to roam freely and without a form of control or supervision. Private trapping of a cat is not encouraged.

Anyone who does seize a roaming cat or dog must deliver it back to its owner, to a council pound, or an approved premises.

“There are many responsible cat owners who keep their much-loved pets contained in their home or yard,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Community Safety Wade Berryman said. “But there are also some who allow and even encourage their cat to roam freely.

“Invasive Species Council research suggests that pet cats kill 546 million animals per year in Australia. Cats that are allowed to roam and are not confined within their own yard or home not only threaten the ecosystem, but they cause great frustration and consternation to many residents.

“Climbing on doors and windows, walking over cars, defecating in gardens, and uncontrolled breeding impacts on the amenity of people’s lives and neighbourhoods.

“Council recommends that cat owners desex their pet to stop unwanted litters, and make sure their cat is micro-chipped so it can always be returned home safely. Where a cat has not been spayed or desexed and is older than four months, the owner must obtain an annual permit at a cost of $92 per annum.”

Council’s authorised officers are able to issue a Notice of Intent to Issue a Nuisance Cat Order, and a Nuisance Cat Order to the owner of a cat in circumstances that are clearly set out in the legislation.

However, it is typically very difficult to prove ownership of a cat or even the identity of a nuisance cat. Residents complaining about the noise or behaviour of a cat may be required to give evidence in a court.

Council’s authorised officers require evidence before taking any sort of enforcement action that might end up in court. There are a range of fines that can be issued to the owners of both cats and dogs under the Companion Animals Act 1998.

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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.